How do you say almond? If you're from the Capay Valley region, you say “a'-mun,” with a short a. So if you want to sound like a native at the Almond Festival today, start practicing saying "a'-mun" the local way.
There are not many more enjoyable day trips than heading out into the Spring sunshine to enjoy the beautiful almond blossoms at this annual food and wine festival in the Capay Valley. This is the 95th year of this food festival, celebrating the almond crop of this region of Northern California. Festivities begin at 7:00 am and continue until 4 pm this afternoon. The last two years have been rainy during the Almond Festival, so take advantage of the sunny weather today to make your visit.
Event schedule for the Almond Festival
- Esparto is featuring tri tip sandwiches hamburgers, hot dogs, and beer and wine from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Esparto Fire Station on Highway 16. When you see the High School, look across the street and half a block down you'll see the fire station.
- Madison Fire Department is hosting a classic car show in Esparto. The Future Farmers of America, (FFA), is hosting a breakfast at the high school beginning at 7 am. At Esparto Park, right across the street from the fire station, there will be crafts, almond farming interactive events, clowns and live music by Jim Hunter and Simpson Creek Band. Don't forget to stop by the PTA booth and buy candy apples.
- Capay is just a couple of miles further up Highway 16, and the crown jewel food stop there is the Road Trip Bar and Grill. The chef here does a bang up job of showing off his skills. The first 600 people receive a free Road Trip pin. Live Entertainment is by Four Barrel from noon to 4 pm. From 4 to 7 pm Mike Ward and Testify will entertain you.
- Capay Valley Vineyards in the town of Brooks is offering a wine tasting of local wines. While you're there, pick up the 2008 Viognier. The gift shop includes locally crafted items.
- Just after Brooks on Highway 16, you'll come to the town of Guinda. The Western Yolo Grange is offering pulled pork sandwiches for lunch beginning at 11:00 am, an old engine display, a petting zoo, and plenty of crafts for everyone to enjoy. If you see a table selling Grammy Wyatt's Almond Rocha, don't pass it up. This is a fantastic rocha made from a local recipe handed down through the years.
- The last stop on this 26 mile trip is the town of Rumsey. Rumsey Town Hall is the place to go for the famous Rumsey ribs. The town hall will have displays from local farmers and artisans, plenty of food, and live entertainment by The Marshall Law Band.
This lovely festival is the cooperative effort of five communities, the local organic farmers, and is the only one of its type in Norhtern California. Come visit the Almond Festival today and enjoy the friendly hospitality of this little hidden jewel.
Directions to the Almond Festival from Sacramento
The festival begins in the town of Esparto, and continues winding up the Capay Valley through the towns of Capay, Brooks, Guinda, and Rumsey. Take I-5 west to Woodland, then get on Main Street, which turns into Highway 16. Continue west until you pass the I-505 interchange. Esparto is 4 miles west of I-505.
You may download a map and brochure from the Esparto Regional Chamber of Commerce.
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